Absorbent article comprising a lotion composition for reducing adherence of feces or menses to the skin

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article, intended to be worn by a wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing surface of that article has a lotion composition. The lotion composition includes at least one first compound which is liquid at 25° C. and at least one second compound which is solid at 25° C. The first compound may be wax ester, and the second compound is a solid fatty compound selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids, solid fatty alcohol and solid fatty soaps. When the solid fatty compound is a solid fatty acid, then the total amount of liquids is higher than the total amount of solids.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/162,721, filed onMay 24, 2016, which is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/121,174, filed onMay 15, 2008, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to EuropeanPatent Application No. 07108202.8, filed on May 15, 2007, the entiretyof all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A lotion composition comprised on a body facing surface of an absorbentarticle such as a diaper, training pants or adult incontinence product,may be used for reducing the adherence of feces or menses to the humanskin. The lotion composition comprises at least two compounds whereinone first compound is liquid at 25° C. and at least one second componentwhich is solid at 25° C. An effective amount of the lotion compositionis comprised on a body facing surface of an absorbent article which isintended to be worn by a wearer. Absorbent articles herein may have atleast a topsheet comprising said lotion composition and absorbentarticles may be infant (baby) diapers, including training pants, adultincontinence articles, sanitary napkins, panty-liners and the like. Thelotion compositions described herein are believed to reduce theadherence of the menses or feces to the skin, thereby improving the easeof menses or bowl movement (BM) clean up.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable absorbent products, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, areknown that have a topsheet comprising a lotion, to deliver skin benefitsto the skin of the wearer and to sometimes improve the removal of fecesor menses from the skin. In recent years the focus has been to deliverlotions to sanitary napkins and diapers that provide extra skinbenefits, for example by addition of botanical ingredients orpharmaceutical ingredients to the lotions. Lotions of various types areknown to provide various skin benefits, such as prevention or treatmentof diaper rash. These lotions can be applied to the topsheet ofabsorbent articles, and can be transferred to the skin of the wearerduring use. The addition of lotion to the topsheet of absorbent articlesis also known to provide benefits such as easier BM clean up on theskin.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,025 to Roe et al., WO 97/05908, WO 97/05909 and US2006/140924 describe absorbent articles having lotioned topsheets forreducing adherence of BM to the skin, wherein the lotion compositionsare primarily hydrophobic. U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al.teaches a diaper comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheetwherein a portion of the topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film ofoleaginous material. A disadvantage of the diapers disclosed in theDuncan et al. reference and other diapers treated with hydrophobiclotions, is that the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are slow inpromoting transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent cores. Since theviscosity of BM and menses is considerably greater than urine, theproblems associated with Duncan et al are more profound. Accordingly,there is a continuing need for absorbent articles, such as diapers andcatamenial devices having improved fluid handling such that more mensesenter into and remain in the device, and less on the skin and hair ofthe wearer. WO 05/035013, WO 00/64500, WO 00/64501, U.S. PatentApplication 2002-120241 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,520 describe absorbentarticles with hydrophilic lotion compositions for various uses, such asimproving moisturization or lubrication, for reducing abrasion of skin,for improving skin health, for enhancing the barrier function of theskin and for prevention and alleviation of skin irritations. WO 02/49686and WO 02/70026 describe apertured polymeric film webs for absorbentarticles which are treated with lotion compositions for improving fluidtransfer.

However, there is an unmet need to provide absorbent articles to be wornby a wearer, such as diapers, sanitary napkins and the like, with somemeans to reduce the adherence of feces or menses to the skin. It isfurther desirable that removal of any feces or menses is improved afteruse of the article. Also, desired fluid acquisition and distributionproperties should be maintained and wearer comfort should be ensured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include an absorbent article intended to beworn by a wearer. At least a part of a body faceable surface of thatarticle comprises a lotion composition. The lotion composition comprisesat least one first compound which is liquid at 25° C. and at least onesecond compound which is solid at 25° C. The first compound is a liquidpolyethylene glycol and said second compound is a solid fatty compoundselected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids, solid fattyalcohol and solid fatty soaps. When the solid fatty compound is a solidfatty acid, then the total amount of liquids is higher than the totalamount of solids.

Embodiments disclosed also include an absorbent article, intended to beworn by a wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing surface ofthat article comprises a lotion composition. The lotion compositionincludes at least one first compound which is liquid at 25° C. and atleast one second compound which is solid at 25° C. The first compound isa liquid fatty acid ester comprising at least one fatty acid unit and atleast one ethylene glycol unit, and the second compound is a solidpolyethylene glycol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Herein, “comprise” and “include” mean that other elements and/or othersteps which do not affect the end result can be added. Each of theseterms encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentiallyof”.

Herein, “body facing surface” refers to surfaces of absorbent articlesand/or their component materials which face the body of the wearer,while “garment facing surface” refers to the opposite surfaces of theabsorbent articles and/or their component materials that face away fromthe wearer when the absorbent articles are worn. Absorbent articles andcomponents thereof, including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core,and any individual layers of their component materials, typically have abody facing surface and a garment facing surface.

Herein, “body” refers to outer layers formed by mammalian epidermaltissues including the skin and hair. The characteristics of the bodytend to differ dramatically depending on the position, age, sex, andindividual's nature. For example, the skin of babies and young childrendiffers from the skin of adults, and the skin having hair differs fromthe non-haired skin.

As used herein “absorbent article” refers to devices which are intendedto be placed against the skin of a wearer to absorb and contain thevarious exudates discharged from the body. Examples of absorbentarticles include incontinence articles such as diapers; pant-likediapers such as training pants; diaper holders; incontinence briefs.Further examples of absorbent articles are feminine hygiene articlessuch as tampons, interlabial devices, sanitary napkins and panti-liners.In one embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent articles areincontinence articles such as diapers or pant-like diapers.

As used herein “tampon” refers to any type of absorbent structure whichis inserted into the vaginal canal or other body cavities for theabsorption of fluid there from. The basic tampon structures aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,900 issued to Haas on Sep. 12, 1933;U.S. Pat. No. 1,946,911 issued to Haas on Jul. 3, 1934; and U.S. Pat.No. 3,322,123 issued to Giswold, et al. on May 30, 1967. As used herein“interlabial absorbent article” refers to an absorbent device that isinsertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer for catamenialpurposes, incontinence barrier, or both. Suitable interlabial absorbentarticles are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,644 entitled“Toilet-Disposable Absorbent Interlabial Device” issued to Osborn, etal. on Jun. 9, 1998; PCT Publication No. WO 98/29078 entitled “ThinComfortable Interlabial Absorbent Structure” published in the name ofOsborn, et al. on Jul. 9, 1998; U.S. Pat. Des. 404,814 entitled“Interlabial Absorbent Device” issued to Mayer on Jan. 26, 1999; U.S.Pat. No. 6,270,486 entitled “Absorbent Interlabial Device” issued toBrown, et al. on Aug. 7, 2001. As used herein, the terms “panty liner”or “panti-liner” refer to absorbent articles that are less bulky thansanitary napkins which are generally worn by women between theirmenstrual periods. Suitable absorbent articles are disclosed in, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,676 entitled “Pantiliner” issued to Osborn on Apr.19, 1988.

As used herein “diaper” refers to an incontinence article generally wornby infants, and incontinent persons about the lower torso of the wearer.Suitable diapers are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issuedto Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell etal. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell et al. onJun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145 issued to Roe et al. on Sep.10, 1996. As used herein “incontinence article” refers to pads,undergarments, inserts for absorbent articles, capacity boosters forabsorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and the like regardless of whetherthey are worn by adults or other incontinent persons. Suitableincontinence articles are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,461issued to Strickland, et al. on Mar. 3, 1981; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,760and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos.4,704,115; 4,909,802 issued to Ahr, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,860issued to Gipson, et al. on Oct. 23, 1990; and PCT Publication No. WO92/11830 published by Noel, et al. on Jul. 23, 1992. As used herein“pant-like diaper” refers to an incontinence article having fixed sidesand leg openings. Pant-like diapers are placed in position on the wearerby inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding thepant-like diaper into position about the wearer's lower torso. Suitablepant-like diapers are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433,issued to Hasse, et al. on Sep. 21, 1993.

As used herein “disposable” is used to describe absorbent articles forsingle use, which are not intended to be laundered, restored orotherwise reused as an absorbent article after a single use.

The term “joined”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in whichan element is directly secured to another element by affixing theelement directly to the other element; configurations in which theelement is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing theelement to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the otherelement; and configurations in which one element is integral withanother element, i.e., one element is essentially part of the otherelement.

The term “longitudinal”, as used herein, refers to a line, axis ordirection in the plane of the absorbent article that is generallyaligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane whichbisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves when theabsorbent article is worn. The terms “transverse” or “lateral” as usedherein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or directionwhich lies within the plane of the absorbent article that is generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the terms “migrate”, “migration”, or “migrating” mean alotion composition moves from one place to another place by way ofmovement on a material or permeation through an intervening material.

As used herein, the term “transfer” when used in the context of a lotioncomposition, refers to the lotion composition moving from one area ofthe absorbent article to the skin of the wearer or to another area onthe absorbent article not by way of migration but by way of directcontact with the lotion composition, such as in a blotting effect.

“Applying” to a surface of an absorbent article such as the topsheet,barrier cuff or leg cuff as used herein means that said surface,topsheet, barrier cuff or leg cuff comprises at least a partial layer ofthe lotion composition on at least part of one of its surface so that atleast part of the lotion composition may contact the skin of the wearerin use. To allow contact with the skin, typically the body facingsurface of the topsheet, barrier cuff or leg cuff is coated. The lotioncomposition may also penetrate partly or fully into the surface and maypenetrate the respective absorbent article component to which it isapplied, e.g. the topsheet, the barrier cuff or the leg cuff.

The unit of all molecular weights given herein is Daltons.

As used herein, the term “particulate material” refers to a component ofthe lotion composition that is insoluble or non-molecularly dispersibleor non-reactive biologically in the lotion composition prior to applyingthis lotion composition to the absorbent article and that remains inparticulate form when applied to the absorbent article. It includes alltype of particulate forms such as granules, beads, spheres,micro-spheres, powders, as known in the art.

The terms “reducing the adherence” and “anti-stick” are usedsynonymously. This means that less residual artificial pasty bowelmovement (ABM) remains on the skin when compared to a control withoutanti-stick lotion composition. Typically, no treatment of the skinresults in greater than 30% residual ABM remaining on the skin surface.

A lotion composition beneficial for use may leave less than 30%,including less than about 10%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3% or 2% residual ABM onthe skin surface as assessed by the method described herein. Skin thatis not treated with an anti-stick agent or lotion composition, but isotherwise subjected to the above method, serves as a negative control.

Herein, the terms “feces” and “bowl movement”, “BM” are usedinterchangeably.

Generally, applying a lotion composition as described herein below toone or more surfaces of an absorbent article that are in contact withthe skin of the wearer, e.g. the topsheet, reduced feces or mensesadherence to the skin can be achieved and improved ease of removal offeces or menses can be obtained after the articles have been used andhave been removed from the wearer.

The invention also relates an absorbent article, intended to be worn bya wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing surface of thatarticle comprises a lotion composition, the lotion compositioncomprising at least one first compound which is liquid at 25° C. and atleast one second compound which is solid at 25° C.

In one embodiment, said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycoland said second compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLBvalue of at least 10; or wherein said first compound is a liquid fattyacid ester comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at least oneethylene glycol unit and wherein said second compound is a solidpolyethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycoland said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from thegroup consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps.

In one embodiment, when said solid nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylatedfatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13.

In one embodiment, when said solid fatty compound is a solid fatty acid,then the total amount of liquids is higher than the total amount ofsolids.

The invention also relates an absorbent article, intended to be worn bya wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing surface of thatarticle comprises a lotion composition consisting of a first compoundwhich is liquid at 25° C. and a second compound which is solid at 25° C.

In one embodiment, said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycoland said second compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLBvalue of at least 10.

In one embodiment, said first compound is a liquid fatty acid estercomprising at least one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycolunit and wherein said second compound is a solid polyethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycoland said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from thegroup consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps and solidfatty alcohols.

In one embodiment, when said solid nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylatedfatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13.

The invention also relates to a process of making an absorbent article,comprising the steps of

(a) providing a lotion composition as described herein;

(b) applying said lotion composition to at least one part of the bodyfacing surface of an absorbent article, wherein said lotion compositionis applied in an effective amount for reducing the adherence of feces ormenses to the human skin, wherein the absorbent article is an articleintended to be worn by a wearer.

Lotion Compositions of the Present Invention

The lotion composition may be flowable (e.g. liquid) at suitable processconditions, e.g. above 50° C. or above 60° C. or above 80° C. oroptionally above 100° C., but solid or semi-solid at room temperature(25° C.). The terms semi-solid and non-fluid are used interchangeableherein.

The lotion composition herein may be a lotion composition that mayprovide additional skin care benefits. The lotion compositions of thepresent invention are typically non-fluid, i.e. solid, or more oftensemisolid, at 25° C., i.e. at ambient temperatures. By “semisolid” ismeant that the lotion composition has a rheology typical ofpseudoplastic or plastic fluids. When no shear is applied, the lotioncompositions can have the appearance of a non-fluid, solid but can bemade to flow as the shear rate is increased. This may be due to the factthat, while the lotion composition contains solid components, it alsoincludes some liquid components. The lotion compositions of the presentinvention may be solid or at least semi-solid at room temperature tominimize migration of the lotion composition. The lotion composition mayhave a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential “stressful”storage conditions that can be 45° C. or greater. Non-fluid means that 1g of the material, which is placed in the middle of a round glass platehaving a diameter of 15 cm, does not run off a glass plate within 1minute, when the glass plate is tilted at 45°, under conditions of 25°C. and 50% relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the lotion composition is such that 3% to 75% byweight is liquid at room temperature (20° C.). From 25% to 75% or even30% to 80% can be liquid at body temperature (37° C.). In oneembodiment, the total amount of liquid compounds is higher than thetotal amount of solid compounds, e.g. the amount of liquids is above 50wt. % or at least 55 wt. % or at least 60 wt. %. When applied to theabsorbent article, the lotion compositions of the present invention aretransferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact, wearer motion (thuscreating friction), and/or body heat.

An effective amount of the lotion composition is comprised on a bodyfacing surface of an absorbent article. An effective amount is an amountwhich effects a reduction of the adherence of feces or menses to thehuman skin of a wearer wearing an absorbent article compared to theabsorbent article without the lotion composition. Typically, a notreatment control article yield a value of at least 30% residual feceswhen measured as described herein. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved that the lotion composition may reduce the adhesive forcebetween the soils or exudates and the skin surface because the adhesiveforces may be smaller than the cohesive forces within the soils orexudates, thereby allowing the soils or exudates to detach from the skinsurface upon application of a shear force (e.g. such as that generatedby wiping).

Generally, the lotion composition is applied to an absorbent article asdescribed herein in a safe and effective amount, wherein such safe andeffective amounts are applied on a least a portion of the topsheetand/or on at least a portion of the barrier cuff and/or at least aportion of the leg cuff. An effective amount according to the presentinvention may be from about 0.0015 mg/cm² (0.01 mg/in²) to about 100.5mg/cm² (100 mg/in²), from about 0.003 mg/cm² (0.02 mg/in²) to about 12.4mg/cm² (80 mg/in²), or from about 0.02 mg/cm² (0.015 mg/in²) to about7.75 mg/cm² (50 mg/in²), of the lotion composition to the absorbentarticle. Typically, a safe and effective amount of the lotioncompositions of the present invention is applied to an absorbent articlesuch that at least about 0.00015 mg/cm² (0.001 mg/in²) to about 15.5mg/cm² (100 mg/in²), from about 0.0006 mg/cm² (0.004 mg/in²) to about 11mg/cm² (72 mg/in²), or from about 0.005 mg/cm² (0.03 mg/in²) to about6.2 mg/cm² (40 mg/in²), of the lotion composition is transferred to thebody during a single use of an absorbent article which is typicallyabout a three hour period. Absorbent articles are generally changedevery three to six hours during the day and once for overnightprotection, resulting in at least a safe and effective amount of fromabout 0.00045 mg/cm² (0.003 mg/in²) to about 124 mg/cm² (800 mg/in²),from about 0.0018 mg/cm² (0.012 mg/in²) to about 88 mg/cm² (576 mg/in²),or from about 0.015 mg/cm² (0.09 mg/in²) to about 49.6 mg/cm² (320mg/in²), of the lotion composition being administered within a one dayinterval (24 hour period). However, the transfer of the lotioncompositions of the present invention onto a wearer's body via anabsorbent article described herein can occur for one day, several days,weeks, months, or years at appropriate intervals.

The total amount of the first liquid compounds may be from 3 to 90 wt. %or from 20 to 80 wt. % or from 30 to 70 wt. % based on the total lotioncomposition and the total amount of the solid second compounds is from10 to 97 wt. % or from 20 to 80 wt. % or from 30 to 70 wt. % based onthe total lotion composition; and the weight ratio of first to secondcompound is from 1:32 to 9:1 or from 1:9 to 9:1 or from 2:8 to 8:2 orfrom 3:7 to 7:3.

The lotion composition may be hydrophilic and essentially non-aqueous.Non aqueous means, that the lotion compositions either contain no wateror they contain water only in minor amounts such as less than 5 wt. % oreven less than 1 wt. %. However, these amounts refer to the lotioncomposition at the time when the absorbent article is produced, i.e. tothe time the lotion composition is applied onto the absorbent article.The lotion compositions of the present invention may be ratherhygroscopic, and thus may be able to take up a significant amount ofwater from the surrounding atmosphere, particularly in an environmentwith high relative humidity. Thus, when the absorbent article has beenstored for a relatively long time, such as several months or even years,it is possible that the amount of water contained in the lotioncomposition has increased to be more than 5 wt %.

Water solubility of the lotion composition is determined as follows: 100mg of the lotion composition is applied to a glass slide (2.5 cm×8 cm)of known weight, such that the lotion covers an area of 2.5 cm×5 cm onthe glass slide. The slide is then placed in a beaker containing 75 mlof pure water at room temperature. The water with the lotion compositiontherein is not stirred. After 4 hours the glass slide is removed fromthe beaker and put in an oven at 60° C., 0% RH to remove the water.After drying it is weighted to determine the residual amount of lotioncomposition on the slide. The lotion composition of the presentinvention is water soluble if residual amount of lotion composition onthe plate after drying is below 60%, below 20% or below 10%. Such lotioncompositions having a relatively good water solubility are considered tobe hydrophilic within the meaning of the present invention.

While hydrophobic lotion compositions such as those described in theprior art mentioned above may deliver some level of anti-stickperformance, they suffer from several drawbacks including that they tendto leave an undesirable greasy or slippery feel on the skin. Also, theyare typically lubricious, reducing interaction of the cleansingimplement and the soils or exudates, resulting in smearing and ratherpoor cleaning. Hydrophilic lotion compositions overcome many of thesedrawbacks. Hydrophilic lotion compositions typically do not leave agreasy feeling on the skin, and they are typically not as lubricous asnon-water soluble, hydrophobic lotion compositions which may result inbetter cleaning and less smearing.

The lotion composition comprises at least one first compound which isliquid at 25° C. and at least one second compound which is solid at 25°C.,

wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol and saidsecond compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of atleast 10; or

wherein said first compound is a liquid fatty acid ester comprising atleast one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit andwherein said second compound is a solid polyethylene glycol; or

wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol and saidsecond compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from the groupconsisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps and solid fattyalcohols;

wherein when said solid nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated fattyalcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13.

When said solid fatty compound is a solid fatty acid, then the totalamount of liquids may be higher than the total amount of solids.

Liquid Polyhydric Alcoholic Solvents

Liquid polyhydric alcoholic solvents, when used herein, are organiccompounds having at least 2 carbon atoms and at least two alcoholichydroxy groups and which are liquid at 25° C., excluding for the purposeof the invention polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols andderivatives, as described herein below, as separate groups. Examples areglycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol and derivatives thereof,including for example mono- or di-end capped diethylene glycols, mono-or di-end capped dipropylene glycols, mono- or di-end capped ethyleneglycols and mono- or di-end capped propylene glycols, having end-cappedunits as described above.

Liquid compounds herein may include: ethoxylated fatty acids, such asPEG-8 laurate, available for example as Lipopeg 4-L from Lipo Chemicals;ethoxylated fatty ester (oil), such as a PEG-25 castor oil, for exampleavailable as hetoxide C-25 from Global-Seven Inc.; Glycerol esters, suchas for example a PEG-10 polyglyceryl-2 laurate, available for example asHostacerin DGL from Clariant Corp.; Lecithin, such as available asAlcolec BS from American Lecithin Co.; polymeric surfactants such as aC8-C10 alkyl polysaccharide ether, available for example as Glucopan 225DK from Cognis Corp.); Sorbitan derivatives such as POE (20) sorbitanmonopalmitate available for example from Croda Inc.; sucrose and glucoseesters and derivatives, such as alkyl polyglucoside, available forexample as Simulsol AS48 from Seppic Inc.

Liquid Polyethylene Glycols and Derivatives and Liquid PolypropyleneGlycol and Derivatives.

Liquid polyethylene glycols and derivatives are liquid at 25° C. Thepolyethylene glycols (PEG's) are made from at least 3 units of ethyleneglycol and have the general formula HO—(CH2-O—CH2-O)_(x)—H with x beinga number of from 3 to 15 or from 8 to 12. The molecular weight (weightaverage) is from 100 to less than 720, or from 100 or 350 to 700.Typical liquid polyethylene glycols are known as PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7,PEG-8, PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12 and PEG-14. Suitable trade products are forexample Polyglykol 400 of Clariant with an average molecular weight of380 to 410 or Polyglykol 600 with an average molecular weight of 570 to630.

Liquid PEG and PPG derivatives may include esters and ethers of PEG andPPG. Liquid derivates of PEG and PPG include in particular PEG's andPPG's (for example as described above) having however one or more (monoor di end capped, respectively) end cap groups, derived from an organiccompound capable of reacting with a hydroxyl group. End cap groups mayinclude methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyland benzyl, for example mono- or di-methyl or -ethyl end capped PEG orPPG. In some embodiment, methyl may be an end-capping unit. Furtherpolypropylenes and end capping units useful in this invention aredescribed in co-pending application U.S. 60/901,793, filed 16 Feb. 2007.

A liquid mono-end capped PEG may include for example a polyethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, such as available as Polyglykol M400 fromClariant Corporation. A liquid PEG may include also a Polyethyleneglycol dimethyl ether with a MW of 500 (available from Sigma Aldrich).

Also useful herein are liquid ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymersand polyethylene-polypropylene block copolymers (EO-PO blockcopolymers), such as Genapol PF10-an EO-PO block copolymer from ClariantCorp.)

Liquid Alkylene (e.g. Ethylene) Glycol Fatty Acid Esters

Suitable liquid alkylene or ethylene glycol fatty acid esters are forexample the esters of one or more alkylene glycol units, includingethylene glycol units, and one or two fatty acids. These compounds mayhave the general formula R¹—(OCH2CH2)_(m)-O—R² where R¹ and R² arehydrogen or fatty acid residues with e.g. from 6 to 30 or from 8 to 22carbon atoms and can be the same or different with the proviso that notboth are hydrogen; and m is a number of at least 1. R1 and R2 may bedifferent and m may be 1, 2, or 3. Typical ethylene glycol esters areknown for example as diethylene glycol diethylhexanoate/diisononanoate,diethylene glycol diisononanoate, diethylene glycol dilaurate,diethylene glycol dioctanoate/diisononanoate and diethylene glycoldistearate. Suitable trade product mixtures containing ethylene glycolesters are for example DERMOL MO or DERMOL 489. Wax esters may be usedwhich are liquid at room temperature (25° C.). They may be derived fromnatural sources such as jojoba oil, comprising docosenyl eicosenoate,eicosenyl eicosenoate and eicosenyl docosenoate.

Solid Polyethylene Glycol and Polypropylene Glycols and DerivativesThereof

Solid polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols and derivativesthereof are solid (or semi-solid-as defined above) at 25° C., as definedherein. The solid polyethylene glycols are typically made from at least16 units of ethylene glycol and have the general formulaHO—(CH2-O—CH2-O)_(y)—H with y being a number of at least 16, e.g. from20 to 220 or from 40 to 150. The molecular weight (weight average) isabove 720, e.g. from 720 to 100000, or from 950 or 1500 or 2000 or 2700to 30000. Typical solid polyethylene glycols are known as PEG-20,PEG-32, PEG-40, PEG-45, PEG-55, PEG-60, PEG-75, PEG-90 and PEG-100.Suitable trade products are for example Polyglykol 3000 of Clariant withan average molecular weight of 2700 to 3000 or Polyglykol 4000 with anaverage molecular weight of 3700 to 4500.

Solid PEG and PPG derivatives may include esters and ether derivates ofPEG's and PPG's. Solid derivatives include in particular PEG's and PPG's(for example as described above) having one or more end cap groups (monoor di end capped, respectively), such as those described above.

For example, a solid mono-end capped PEG such as Polyglykol M4000(polyethylene glycol monomethyl, from Clariant Corporation) may be usedand/or a solid di-endcapped PEG such as Polyethylene glycol dimethylether MW2000 (from Sigma Aldrich) may be used.

Also useful herein may be solid EO-PO copolymers and EO-PO blockcopolymers, such as for example Genapol PF80, an EO-PO block copolymerfrom Clariant Corp.

Solid Nonionic Surfactants

Suitable solid nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of at least 10include solid PEG derived nonionic surfactants, solid polyalkyleneglycol fatty alcohol ethers, such as solid polyethylene glycol fattyalcohol ethers or for example solid polyethoxylated fatty alcohols. Thefatty alcohols unit may have from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, or from 12 to 22carbon atoms. The average degree of alkoxylation, e.g. ethoxylation, maybe from 2 to 200, at least 10, at least 20 or at least 30. Thesesurfactants may be nonionic surfactants with HLB values of at least 10,or at least 12 or at least 13, up to for example 17. Polyethylene glycolfatty alcohol ethers have the general formula R(OCH2CH2)_(n)OH, where Rrepresents an alkyl group or a blend of alkyl groups with for example 8to 30 or 12 to 22 carbon atoms and n is the degree of ethoxylation, e.g.2 to 200. Suitable PEG derived surfactants include PEG-12 stearate,PEG-100 stearate, for example available as Tego Acid S 100 P fromEvonik/Degussa.

Suitable trade products include also for example BRIJ 76, BRIJ 78 andBRIJ 700 (Steareth 100, available from Croda Inc.).

Other surfactants may include Ceteraeth-10, Ceteareth-20,Polysorbate-65. Also used may be Laureth 23.

Suitable fatty alcohol fatty acid esters are esters of a C10- to C30fatty alcohol with a C10- to C30-fatty acid. They have the generalformula R³—CO—O—R⁴ where R³—CO is a C10- to C30 fatty acid residue andO—R⁴ is a C10- to C30 fatty alcohol residue. They may be saturated orunsaturated.

Other suitable nonionic surfactant are e.g. ethoxylated alcohols,ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty esters and oils, glycerolesters; sucrose and glucose esters and their derivatives, glucosides,sorbitan derivatives, such as sorbitan monoplamitate.

Other compounds may include PEG oils, like PEG40 hydrogenated casteroil, PEG-20 sorbitan monooleate, PEG-200 castor oil, available forexample as Hetoxide C-200 from Global-Seven Inc.; glycerol esters suchas a decaglycerol mono/dioleate, available for example as Caprol PGE860from Abitec Corp.; lecithin derivatives, such as soy phosphatides, suchas available as Alcolec Powder from American Lecithin Co.; sorbitanderivatives, such as Polysorbate 65, such as available as Liposorb TS-20from Lipo Chemicals; sucrose and glucose esters and derivatives such assuccinoglycan, available for example as Rheozan from Rhodia, Inc.

Solid Fatty Compounds:

The solid fatty compounds are selected from the group consisting offatty acids, solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols. The solid fattycompounds are solid at (or at least semi-solid according to the methoddescribed herein, at 25° C.). The fatty compounds may have from 10 to 30or from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. The fatty compounds can be saturated orunsaturated and they can be linear or branched. They may be saturated,linear fatty compounds. Examples of solid fatty acids are decanoic acid,lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acidor behenic acid. Solid fatty alcohols may be linear, unsaturated1-alkanols with at least 12 carbon atoms. Examples of solid fattyalcohols are lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearylalcohol, arachidyl alcohol or behenyl alcohol.

The solid fatty soaps are metallic soaps which are metal salts of fattyacids. The fatty acid components of the fatty soaps are the same asmentioned above. Suitable metal cations are sodium, potassium, lithium,aluminium, magnesium, calcium, mangan, iron, zirconium, cerium, zinc,cobalt or vanadium. Metallic soaps may be used with low water solubilitysuch as the calcium or magnesium salts, e.g. calcium stearate.

Exemplary Compositions

It may be that the first liquid component comprises one or morecompounds selected from the group consisting of: methoxyisopropanol,propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, methyl propanediol,propylene carbonate, ethylene glycols, diethylene glycols, propyleneglycols, dipropylene glycols, glycerin, sorbitol, hydrogenated starchhydrolysate, silicone glycols, or any of the above mentioned orexemplified polyethylne glycol or derivatives, polypropylene glycol orderivatives, polyethylene glycol derived surfactants, polypropylenederived surfactants, ethylene glycol or derivatives, propylene glycol orderivatives, diethylene glycol or derivatives and dipropylene glycol orderivatives, as described herein.

The second, solid component may comprise for example one or more solidcompounds (as defined above) of the group including: solid polyethyleneglycol or derivatives thereof; solid polypropylene glycol or derivativesthereof; solid nonionic surfactants with HLB value of at least 10; solidfatty compounds selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids,solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; solid PEG derivedsurfactants; solid PPG derived surfactants; ethoxylated natural fats orpropoxylated natural fats, such as PEG-150 jojoba.

Exemplary lotion compositions may be such that:

said first liquid component may comprise a liquid polyethylene glycoland said second component may comprise a solid nonionic surfactant withan HLB value of at least 10, provided that when said solid nonionicsurfactant is an alkoxylated (e.g. ethoxylated) fatty alcohol, then theHLB value is at least 13; or

said first component may comprise a liquid fatty acid ester comprisingat least one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit andsaid second component may comprise a solid polyethylene glycol; or

said first component may comprise a liquid polyethylene glycol and saidsecond compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from the groupconsisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps and solid fattyalcohols.

When said solid fatty compound comprises a solid fatty acid, then thetotal amount of liquids may be higher than the total amount of solids.

In one embodiment the liquid component is a polyethylene glycol having amolecular weight (weight average) of 100 to less than 720, or from 350to 700. It may be that the lotion composition comprises from 20% to 80%by weight, or 30% to 70% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight of thisliquid polyethylene glycol. For example 50% by weight of polyethyleneglycol with a MW of 400, also referred to as Polyglycol 400.

In one embodiment the solid component is a polyethylene glycol orderivative, where appropriate, having a molecular weight (weightaverage) of above 720, e.g. from 720 to 100000, or from 950 to 30000, orfrom 3000 to 20000 or to 10000. It may be that the lotion compositioncomprises from 20% to 80% by weight, or 30% to 70% by weight, or 40% to60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene glycol, for example 50% byweight of Polyglycol 4000.

In one embodiment the solid component is a solid nonionic surfactant, ora solid polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers having the generalformula R(OCH2CH2)_(n)OH, where R represents an alkyl group or a blendof alkyl groups, with for example 8 to 30 or 12 to 22 carbon atoms, andn is the degree of ethoxylation, e.g. 2 to 200. It may be that thelotion composition comprises from 20% to 80% by weight, or 30% to 70% byweight, or 40% to 60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene glycol, forexample 50% by weight of Steareth-100.

Particulate Material

In one embodiment, the lotion composition additionally comprises atleast one particulate material for further reducing the adherence offeces or menses to the skin. The particulate material is particulateduring application onto the absorbent article. The particulate materialis also such that it remains particulate when in contact with the skinand/or when in contact with urine, menses or feces. Hence, theparticulate material is water-insoluble and it has a melting temperatureabove the processing temperature of the lotion composition, as describedabove.

The particulate material may have any mean particle size between 1nanometer to 2 mm, between 1 nanometer to 500 micrometers, between 0.1micrometer to 2 mm, between 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer, or any rangeor individual value within any of the ranges set forth herein. Theminimum mean particle size may be at least 0.1 micrometer or at least 1micrometer, or at least 10 micrometers, or at least 20 micrometers, orup to about 500 micrometers or in some embodiments up to about 100micrometers, and further in other embodiments up to about 30micrometers. In one embodiment, it may be that the lotion composition tobe applied and/or the applied coating comprises particles whereof lessthan 25% of the particles have an equivalent diameter of greater than100 microns. In another embodiment, it may be that the lotioncomposition to be applied and/or the applied coating comprises particleswhereof less than 25% of the particles have an equivalent diameter ofless than 5 microns. In yet another embodiment, it may be that thelotion composition to be applied and/or the applied coating comprisesparticles whereof less than 25% of the particles have an equivalentdiameter of less than 100 microns.

The particle material may be present in the lotion composition at alevel from 0.05% to 25% (by weight of the lotion composition), from0.05% to 15%, from 0.05% to 5%, or from 0.1% to 25%, or from 0.25% to20%, or from 0.5% to 10% or even up to 5% by weight.

Suitably, the particles may have a density between about 0.5 gram/cm³and about 2.5 gram/cm³. The density may be between about 0.5 gram/cm³and about 2.0 gram/cm³, or between 0.8 gram/cm³ and about 1.5 gram/cm³.In one embodiment, the density may be less than about 1 gram/cm³ so asto minimize particle settling and the density is greater than about 0.8gram/cm³ so as to minimize particle floatation.

In one embodiment, the lotion composition may comprise inorganicparticles, including alumina silicates, silicates, silicas, mica and/ortalc. Clays may also be used. However, in the present invention it maybe that the particulate material is an organic material. The particlesmay be a non-active and/or non-reactive material. The particles may beporous, or non-porous. The particles may have any shape, but they mayhave a smooth surface, and they may be spherical or plate-likeparticles. The particles may comprise a coating agent on their surfaceor part thereof, for example a surfactant to change its properties, e.g.hydrophilicity. The particles, in particular when they are oleofinic,may include a melt-additive, which is added during the manufacturing ofthe particles.

Suitable materials include but are not limited to: polystyreneparticles, polypropylene and/or polyethylene (co)polymer particles,polytetrafluoroethylene particles, polymethylsilses-quioxane particles,nylon particles. Suitable commercially available particulate materialsinclude but are not limited to: polyethylene particles, available fromHoneywell International of Morristown, N.J. under the trade nameACUMIST; polymethyl methacrylate particles (microspheres), availablefrom KOBO of South Plainfield, N.J. as BPA; lactone cross polymerparticles (microspheres), available from KOBO as BPD; nylon 12 particles(microspheres), available from KOBO as NYLON SP;polymethylsilsesquioxane particles (microspheres), available from KOBOas TOSPEARL; cellulose particles (microspheres), available from KOBO asCELLO-BEADS; polytetrafluoroethylene powders, available from MicroPowders, Inc. of Tarrytown, N.Y. as MICROSLIP; blends of natural wax andmicronized polymers as are available form from Micro Powders asMICROCARE and particles of a copolymer of vinylidene chloride,acrylonitrile and methylmethacrylate available as EXPANCEL fromExpancel, Inc. of Duluth, Ga. Micronized waxes, such as are availablefrom Micro Powders as MICROEASE may also be incorporated. Polyolefinparticles (powders) may be used as are available from Equistar ChemicalCorp. Houston, Tex. as MICROTHENE. MICROTHENE FN510-00 from Equistar maybe used.

Optional Ingredients

In order to better enhance the benefits to the wearer, additionalingredients can be included in the lotion compositions of the presentinvention. For example, the classes of ingredients that may be used andtheir corresponding benefits include, without limitation: antifoamingagents (reduce the tendency of foaming during processing); antimicrobialactives; antifungal actives; antiseptic actives; antioxidants (productintegrity); astringents—cosmetic (induce a tightening or tinglingsensation on skin); astringent—drug (a drug product which checks oozing,discharge, or bleeding when applied to skin or mucous membrane and worksby coagulating protein); biological additives (enhance the performanceor consumer appeal of the product); colorants (impart color to theproduct); deodorants (reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and protectagainst the formation of malodor on body surfaces); emollients (help tomaintain the soft, smooth, and pliable appearance of the skin by theirability to remain on the skin surface or in the stratum corneum to actas lubricants, to reduce flaking, and to improve the skin's appearance);external analgesics (a topically applied drug that has a topicalanalgesic, anesthetic, or antipruritic effect by depressing cutaneoussensory receptors); film formers (to hold active ingredients on the skinby producing a continuous film on skin upon drying); fragrances(consumer appeal); humectants (increase the water content of the toplayers of the skin); natural moisturizing agents (NMF) and other skinmoisturizing ingredients known in the art; opacifiers (reduce theclarity or transparent appearance of the product); skin conditioningagents; other solvents (liquids employed to dissolve components founduseful in the cosmetics or drugs); and other surfactants (e.g. ascleansing agents, emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, andsuspending agents). Suitable anionic surfactants are e.g. phosphateesters, carboxylic acids/fatty acids, lignin and lignin derivatives,polyacrylic acid copolymers. Suitable cationic surfactants are e.g.ethoxylated amines, quaternary surfactants, phospholipids, amine oxides.Suitable amphoteric surfactants are e.g. betaine derivatives,imidazolines and imidazoline derivatives, lecithin.

Suitable anti-foaming agents for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. 2-ethylhexanol, polydimethyl siloxane, glyceryl monooleate,glycols, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block polymers.

Suitable antimicrobial agents for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, sulfonamides,essential oils (tea tree oil), silver, ethanol, triclosan, clay.

Suitable antifungal agents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. benzoic acid, parabens, polyaminopropyl biguanide, tea tree oil,chlorphenesin.

Suitable antiseptic agents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. benzalkonium chloride, ethanol, chlorhexidine, iodopropyl butylcarbamate.

Suitable antioxidants for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.tocopherol (Vitamin E) and derivatives thereof, butylatedhydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, nonylphenol, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)and derivatives thereof.

Suitable cosmetic astringents for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. witch hazel, calamine, SD alcohol, zinc oxide, oatmeal,cucumber.

Suitable drug astringents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. ammonium alum, zinc chloride.

Suitable biological additives for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. allantoin, chitosan, collagen, glycoproteins, phospholipids.

Suitable botanical additives for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. Echinacea, yucca, willow herb, green tea, black tea, Chinesetea, chamomile, aloe and lavender

Suitable colorants for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.beta carotene, FD&C certified colors, titanium dioxide, FD&C dyes, mica.

Suitable deodorants for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.baking soda, cetylpyridium chloride, zeolite, triclosan, zincricinoleate.

Suitable emollients for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.petrolatum, cocoa butter, triglycerides, cyclomethicone, jojoba wax.

Suitable external analgesics for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. benzyl alcohol, camphor, menthol, methyl nicotinate, andresorcinol.

Suitable film formers for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.acrylates copolymer, cellulose gum, polyethylene, PVP, andpolyquaterniums.

Suitable fragrances for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.benzyl alcohol, chamomile oil, lavender oil, menthyl lactate, farnesol.

Suitable humectants for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.glycerin, honey, urea, sucrose, PEG-4.

Suitable moisturizing agents for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. aloe extract, glycerin, ceteth-24, lanolin, PEG-40 stearate,sodium lactate, water.

Suitable opacifiers for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.cetyl alcohol, silica, kaolin, zinc carbonate, talc.

Suitable skin protectants for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. calamine, dimethicone, mineral oil, kaolin, zinc oxide.

Suitable solvents for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.benzyl alcohol, isoparaffins, glycol, PEG-4, propylene glycol, mineraloil.

Suitable cleansing agents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. cocoamidopropyl betaine, decylpolyglucoside, C20-40 pareth-40,steareth-50, PEG-100 stearate.

Suitable emulsifiers for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.ceteth-10, glyceryl palmitate, lecithin, PEG-10 stearate, sucroselaurate.

Suitable solubilizing agents for use in the present lotion compositionare e.g. ceteareth-40, PEG-40 castor oil, poloxamers, PEG-40 stearate,polysorbates.

Suitable suspending agents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 85, sodium lignosulfonate,acrylates copolymer, bentonite, PEI, PVP, silica.

Suitable binders for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.alginic acid, cellulose gum, gelatin, starch, synthetic or natural wax.

Suitable absorbents for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.cellulose, dextrin, starch, kaolin, silica, talc.

Suitable buffering agents for use in the present lotion composition aree.g. calcium carbonate, sodium citrate, urea, disodium phosphate, andglycine.

Suitable fats or oils for use in the present lotion composition are e.g.avocado oil, caprilic triglyceride, capric triglyceride, laurictriglyceride, carrot oil, coconut oil, walnut oil, hydrogenated fishoil.

Optional ingredients according to the present invention may includebotanical additives, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents andantifungal agents.

Absorbent Articles a) Incontinence Articles

In the following, a diaper is described as one embodiment of anincontinence article. However, as the skilled person is aware of, mostof the components and materials described herein below are alsoapplicable to other incontinence articles such as pant-like diapers.

The diaper has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The diaper hasfurther an inner, body facing surface and an outer, garment facingsurface opposed to the inner surface.

One end portion of the diaper is configured as a front waist region ofthe diaper. The opposite end portion is configured as a back waistregion of the diaper. An intermediate portion of the diaper isconfigured as a crotch region, which extends longitudinally between thefront and back waist regions. The crotch region is that portion of thediaper which, when the diaper is worn, is generally positioned betweenthe wearer's legs.

The chassis of the diaper comprises the main body of the diaper. Thechassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet and a backsheet. Thechassis further includes an absorbent core encased between the topsheetand the backsheet. The chassis has a periphery which is defined by thetransverse outer edges of the chassis with longitudinal edges and endedges. The diapers, pant-like diapers or adult incontinence productsherein typically have also leg cuffs and/or barrier cuffs.

The backsheet may typically be a liquid impervious backsheet, as knownin the art. In one embodiment, the liquid impervious backsheet comprisesa thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness ofabout 0.01 mm to about 0.05 mm. Suitable backsheet materials comprisetypically breathable material, which permit vapors to escape from theabsorbent article while still preventing exudates from passing throughthe backsheet. Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured byTredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the tradenames X15306, X10962 and X10964. The backsheet, or any portion thereof,may be elastically extendable in one or more directions.

The topsheet may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to thewearer's skin. Further, the topsheet is liquid pervious permittingliquids (e.g., urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. Asuitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materialssuch as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such asapertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, andhydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams;reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims. Suitablewoven and nonwoven materials can be made of natural fibers (e.g., woodor cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such aspolyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combinationof natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be made of ahydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids whichhave passed through the topsheet and are contained in the absorbent core(i.e., to prevent rewet). If the topsheet is made of a hydrophobicmaterial, at least the body facing surface of the topsheet or a partthereof may be treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids will transferthrough the topsheet more rapidly. This diminishes the likelihood thatbody exudates will flow off the topsheet rather than being drawn throughthe topsheet and being absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet canbe rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. In oneembodiment, the topsheet is a nonwoven web that can provide reducedtendency for surface wetness and consequently facilitate maintainingurine absorbed by the core away from the user's skin, after wetting.

The absorbent article herein may have one or more pairs of (elasticated)leg cuffs, including so-called side panels, and/or (elasticated) barriercuffs that provide improved containment of liquids and other bodyexudates, and these cuffs may in one embodiment comprise the coatinglotion composition described herein. Suitable cuffs are described in forexample U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,808,178 and 4,909; U.S. Pat. Nos.4,695,278 and 4,795,454. The cuffs may also be made of nonwovenmaterials as described above and they may be hydrophobic.

Suitable materials for the topsheet and/or the leg cuffs and/or thebarrier cuffs include webs comprising spunbond layers (S) and meltblownlayer(s) (M), whereby the surfaces of the web are formed by spunbondlayer(s). In one embodiment, the webs may have a relatively high basisweight, for example more than 25 g/m² (gsm). Suitable webs include, forexample, 34 gsm SMMS (with 12 gsm for each meltblown and 5 gsm for eachspunbond layer); 34 gsm SMMS (with 10 gsm for each meltblown and 7 gsmfor each spunbond layer); 30 gsm SMMS (with 10 gsm for each meltblownand 5 gsm for each spunbond layer); 30 gsm SMMS (with 8 gsm for eachmeltblown and 7 gsm for each spunbond layer); 34 gsm SMS (with 20 gsmfor the meltblown and 7 gsm for each spunbond layer), or, for example,laminate webs comprising two webs of 17 gsm SMMS laminated to eachother.

The backsheet may be directly or indirectly attached to or joined withthe topsheet herein and/or the barrier and/or leg cuffs herein.

The absorbent core generally is disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet. The absorbent core may comprise any absorbent material thatis generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine andother certain body exudates.

The absorbent core may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes andshapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, “T”-shaped, asymmetric, etc.) andfrom a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used indisposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted woodpulp which is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of othersuitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding, meltblownpolymers including coform, cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissueincluding tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams, absorbentsponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or anyequivalent material or combinations of materials. The configuration andconstruction of the absorbent core may also be varied, e.g. theabsorbent core may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic gradient, asuperabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and lower averagebasis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers orstructures. The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should,however, be compatible with the design loading and the intended use ofthe diaper. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbentcore may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging from infants throughadults.

The topsheet of the absorbent article of the present invention can alsobe apertured, i.e. the topsheet has a plurality of apertures having anaperture size of at least about 0.2 mm². The topsheet may have an openarea of at least about 10%, the open area being the sum of allapertures.

The topsheet herein may also be a topsheet that has one or more openingsthat are large enough to let feces (or menses) pass to a void spaceunderneath said secondary topsheet, also referred to as anal cuff orvaginal cuff. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0058766 Afiled on Sep. 13, 2005 discloses an absorbent article wherein thetopsheet is provided with at least one opening adapted to receive fecalmaterial, the topsheet and the opening thereof each having a frontregion and a back region. A void space between the absorbent core andthe topsheet is provided and the absorbent article further comprises agenital coversheet, which in use covers the genitals, and which ispositioned in, under or above said front region of the opening. Furthersuitable absorbent articles are disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. No.6,482,191; U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0092902 A; U.S. PatentApplication No. 2004/0092900 A; U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0162538A; and U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0058765 A.

Further, the incontinence articles may comprise a front and back waistband and/or a fastening system, typically joined to the waistband, asknown in the art. Fastening systems may comprise fastening tabs andlanding zones, wherein the fastening tabs are attached or joined to theback region of the diaper and the landing zones are part of the frontregion of the diaper.

b) Feminine Hygiene Articles

In one embodiment, the lotion compositions of the present invention maybe transferred to the body from application of the lotion compositionsonto a feminine hygiene article. These products may comprise a topsheet,a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet andbacksheet; each component having a body facing surface and a garmentfacing surface.

The absorbent article may comprise any known or otherwise effectivetopsheet, such as one which is compliant, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's body. Suitable topsheet materials includea liquid pervious material that is oriented towards and contacts thebody of the wearer permitting bodily discharges to rapidly penetratethrough it without allowing fluid to flow back through the topsheet tothe skin of the wearer. The topsheet, while being capable of allowingrapid transfer of fluid through it, also provides for the transfer ormigration of the lotion composition onto an external or internal portionof a wearer's body. A suitable topsheet can be made of various materialssuch as woven and nonwoven materials; apertured film materials includingapertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, andfiber-entangled apertured films; hydroformed thermoplastic films; porousfoams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; thermoplasticscrims; or combinations thereof, as is well known in the art of makingfeminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and thelike.

When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven fibrous material in the form of anonwoven web, the nonwoven web may be produced by any known procedurefor making nonwoven webs, nonlimiting examples of which includespunbonding, carding, wet-laid, air-laid, meltblown, needle-punching,mechanical entangling, thermo-mechanical entangling, andhydroentangling.

The feminine hygiene article of the present invention also comprises abacksheet. The backsheet can be any known or otherwise effectivebacksheet material, provided that the backsheet prevents externalleakage of exudates absorbed and contained in the feminine hygienearticle. Flexible materials suitable for use as the backsheet include,but are not limited to, woven and nonwoven materials, laminated tissue,polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene and/orpolypropylene, composite materials such as a film-coated nonwovenmaterial, or combinations thereof, as is well known in the art of makingfeminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and thelike.

The feminine hygiene article also comprises an absorbent core. Theabsorbent core is typically positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet. The size and shape of the absorbent core can be altered tomeet absorbent capacity requirements, and to provide comfort to thewearer/user. The absorbent core suitable for use in the presentinvention can be any liquid-absorbent material known in the art for usein absorbent articles, provided that the liquid-absorbent material canbe configured or constructed to meet absorbent capacity requirements.Nonlimiting examples of liquid-absorbent materials suitable for use asthe absorbent core include comminuted wood pulp which is generallyreferred to as airfelt; creped cellulose wadding; absorbent gellingmaterials including superabsorbent polymers such as hydrogel-formingpolymeric gelling agents; chemically stiffened, modified, orcross-linked cellulose fibers; meltblown polymers including coform;synthetic fibers including crimped polyester fibers; tissue includingtissue wraps and tissue laminates; capillary channel fibers; absorbentfoams; absorbent sponges; synthetic staple fibers; peat moss; or anyequivalent material; or combinations thereof, as is well known in theart of making feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins,pantiliners, and the like.

The sanitary napkins or panty-liners herein may comprise as cuffsso-called wings, for example attachment to underwear of the wearer. Thesanitary napkins and/or panty-liners herein may comprise a fasteningmeans comprised by the backsheet and/or by the wings (cuffs). Adhesiveattachment means may be used that are present on or attached to at leastthe backsheet.

c) Combination of Absorbent Article Comprising the Lotion Composition ofthe Present Invention and a Wipe

The absorbent articles comprising the lotion composition of the presentinvention can be packaged together with one or more wipes for use in thecleaning and removal of soils or exudates. It is also possible to haveone absorbent article together with one or more wipes as one individualpackage, which is especially convenient for users en-route, where itmight be desirable to carry only one absorbent article and one wipe oronly one absorbent article and a few wipes. Alternatively, a number ofabsorbent articles comprising the lotion composition of the presentinvention are packaged together with a number of wipes. In the lattercase, the number of absorbent articles can be the same as the number ofwipes or the number of wipes is higher than the number of absorbentarticles.

For combinations of one or more absorbent articles with one or morewipes, it may be that the absorbent article is an incontinence article.

The wipes can be a dry wipe or a wet wipe. In one embodiment, the wipesare lotioned wipes, i.e. the wipes comprise a lotion which provides ananti-stick effect. However, typically the anti-stick lotion applied onthe wipe will be different from the anti-stick lotion applied on theabsorbent article.

Lotioned wipes may comprise a substrate and a lotion in contact with thesubstrate, wherein the lotion comprises an anti-stick agent and aperformance enhancing agent, such as is disclosed e.g. in U.S.Application Ser. No. 60/855,427 filed on Oct. 31, 2006 and assigned toR. M Marsh et al. The performance enhancing agent may be present at aconcentration of equal to or less than about 3% w/w of the lotion. Theanti-stick agent may be water soluble.

The anti-stick agent may be selected from the group consisting ofnon-polymeric anti-stick agents, polymeric anti-stick agents,alkoxylated polyols, and combinations thereof. The performance enhancingagent may be selected from the group consisting of film formers,deposition aids, rheology modifiers and combinations thereof.

The lotion may further comprise an emollient and a surfactant.

“Substrate” is the general term to describe a piece of material,generally non-woven material, used in cleansing body parts. Inparticular, many currently available substrates may be intended for thecleansing of the perianal area after defecation. Other substrates may beavailable for the cleansing of the face or other body parts.

The substrate may be a nonwoven material. “Nonwoven” refers herein to afibrous structure made from an assembly of continuous fibers, coextrudedfibers, non-continuous fibers and combinations thereof, without weavingor knitting, by processes such as spunbonding, carding, meltblowing,airlaying, wetlaying, coform, or other such processes known in the artfor such purposes. The nonwoven structure may comprise one or morelayers of such fibrous assemblies, wherein each layer may includecontinuous fibers, coextruded fibers, noncontinuous fibers andcombinations thereof.

The fibers of the substrate may be any natural, cellulosic, and/orwholly synthetic material. Examples of natural fibers may includecellulosic natural fibers, such as fibers from hardwood sources,softwood sources, or other non-wood plants. The natural fibers maycomprise cellulose, starch and combinations thereof.

The substrate may have a basis weight between about 15, 30, 40 or 45grams/m² and about 65, 75, 85, 95 or 100 grams/m². A suitable substratemay be a carded nonwoven comprising a 40/60 blend of viscose fibers andpolypropylene fibers having a basis weight of 58 grams/m² as availablefrom Suominen of Tampere, Finland as FIBRELLA™ 3160. FIBRELLA™ 3160 is a58 grams/m² nonwoven web comprising 60% w/w 1.5 denier polypropylenefibers and 40% w/w 1.5 denier viscose fibers. Another suitable materialmay be FIBRELLA™ 3100 which is a 62 grams/m² nonwoven web comprising 50%w/w 1.5 denier polypropylene fibers and 50% w/w 1.5 denier viscosefibers. In both of these commercially available fibrous webs, theaverage fiber length is about 38 mm. Another suitable material for useas a substrate may be SAWATEX™ 2642 as available from Sandler AG ofSchwarzenbach/Salle, Germany. Yet another suitable material for use as asubstrate may have a basis weight of from about 50 grams/m² to about 60grams/m² and have a 20/80 blend of viscose fibers and polypropylenefibers. The substrate may also be a 60/40 blend of pulp and viscosefibers.

The lotion of the present invention may comprise at least about 0.05%w/w of an anti-stick agent and at least about 0.01% of a performanceenhancing agent. The lotion may comprise equal to or less than about 50%w/w of an anti-stick agent and equal to or less than about 3% of aperformance enhancing agent.

Suitable water-soluble anti-stick agents to be used for the wipeinclude, but are not limited to:

-   -   Non-polymeric anti-stick agents such as glycerol and related        polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, pentaerythitol,        sucrose, glucose, maltose, maltotriose, maltodextrin,        maltopentose, maltohexose, and isomaltulose, ethylene glycol,        propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and the like,    -   Polymeric anti-stick agents comprising polyethylene glycol,        polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, polyglycerol or        mixtures thereof, including block copolymers comprising ethylene        oxide and propylene oxide, and the like,    -   Alkoxylated polyol compounds,

and combinations of the above.

Method of Making an Absorbent Article Comprising the Lotion Compositionof the Present Invention

The lotion compositions of the present invention can be applied to theabsorbent articles by any known or otherwise effective technique fordistributing a lotion composition onto an absorbent product such as adisposable absorbent article. Nonlimiting examples of methods ofapplying the lotion compositions to an absorbent article includespraying, printing (e.g., flexographic printing), coating (e.g., contactslot coating and gravure coating), extrusion, or combinations of theseapplication techniques. The application of the lotion compositions ontoan absorbent article facilitates the transfer or migration of the lotioncompositions onto the skin for administration and/or deposition of thelotion compositions, resulting in a safe and effective amount of thelotion compositions being applied. Therefore, the safe and effectiveamount of the lotion composition that will transfer or migrate to thebody will depend on factors such as the type of lotion composition thatis applied, the portion of the body facing surface where the lotioncomposition is applied, and the type of absorbent article used toadminister the lotion composition.

Any suitable method can be used in determining the amount of a lotioncomposition described herein that is transferred to the body of a wearerduring use of an absorbent article containing the lotion composition.Examples of methods for the calculation of transfer amounts of lotioncompositions include Gas Chromatographic and other quantitativeanalytical procedures that involve the analysis of in vivo skin analogmaterials. A suitable Gas Chromatographic procedure is more fullydescribed in WO 99/45973, Donald C. Roe et al, published Sep. 16, 1999.

In preparing absorbent articles according to the present invention, thelotion composition may be applied to a topsheet and/or to the leg cuffsand/or to the barrier cuffs as liquid or as a semi-liquid. Typically,the lotion composition is applied to the outer surface or outer surfacesthat in use are in contact with the skin of the wearer, i.e. the lotioncomposition is applied to the body facing surface.

The lotion composition is typically applied from a melt thereof to theabsorbent article topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barriercuffs. Since the lotion composition may melt at above-ambienttemperatures, it is usually applied as a heated lotion composition tothe topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs.Typically, the lotion composition is heated to a temperature in therange from about 40° to about 100° C., from 50° or from 60° C. or evenfrom to 90° C. to about 100° C., prior to being applied to the topsheetand/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs. Typically, theliquid or semi-liquid components and/or the lotion composition is heatedto ensure it is liquid or semi-liquid. Then, once the lotion compositionhas been applied to the topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to thebarrier cuffs, it is allowed to cool and solidify to form solidifiedcoating on the surface of the topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or tothe barrier cuffs.

The lotion composition can be applied uniformly or non-uniformly to thebody facing surface of the article topsheet. By non-uniform it is meanthere the amount, location, pattern of distribution of the lotioncomposition can vary over the topsheet surface. For example someportions of the treated surface of the topsheet and/or leg cuff and/orbarrier cuff can have greater or lesser amounts of lotion composition(i.e. some portions comprise a higher basis weight of the lotioncomposition than other portions), including portions of the surface thatdo not have any lotion composition on it. In one embodiment, the surfaceof the topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs willhave regions where no lotion composition is applied.

Where the lotion composition is applied non-uniformly, it can be appliedintermittently, i.e. discontinuously. Any pattern may be utilized,including, for example, application of small droplets (obtained via,e.g., spraying) discrete figures, such as dots, rectangles (obtainedvia, e.g., gravure printing), alternating stripes that run in thelongitudinal or lateral direction of the article, etc. By alternatingstripes is meant regions in which the lotion is applied as stripesseparated by regions which have no lotion composition applied.

The stripes may have a width from between 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, frombetween 0.1 to about 30 mm, from between 0.5 mm to about 50 mm, fromabout 0.5 mm to about 40 mm, from between 2 mm to about 40 mm, frombetween 2 mm to about 20 mm, from between 2 mm to about 15 mm, or frombetween 5 mm to about 20 mm. The spacing between the stripes having nolotion composition applied may have a width from between 0.1 mm to about100 mm, from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, from between 0.1 to about 30mm, from between 0.5 mm to about 50 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 40mm, from between 2 mm to about 40 mm, from between 2 mm to about 20 mm,from between 2 mm to about 15 mm, or from between 5 mm to about 20 mm.The substance can be applied directly to the absorbent article topsheetand/or leg cuff and/or barrier cuff or it may be applied to anothermaterial or component which is then adhered to the desired portion ofthe absorbent article (such as a calendar roll). For example, it may beapplied in one or more longitudinal stripes. The stripes may go alongthe whole longitudinal length of the article or the stripes may only bepresent in the center zone of the topsheet or cuffs, e.g. the central30%-70% of the surface area of the topsheet or cuffs.

The pattern, in which the lotion composition is applied and/or theamount of lotion composition applied can be the same for the rear thirdof the article (i.e. a third of the longitudinal extension of theabsorbent articles starting from the outer edge of the chassis in therear waist region), the central third of the article and the front thirdof the article. Alternatively, the pattern, in which the lotioncomposition is applied and/or the amount of lotion composition appliedcan be different for the rear, central and front third of the article.

As the lotion composition of the present invention has anti-stickproperties, it should be comprised in those regions of the absorbentarticles, which lie adjacent the skin areas of the wearer, whichtypically are contaminated with feces.

Thus, the lotion composition should at least be comprised in thoseregions of the articles, which lie adjacent the buttocks and the wholegroove length of the wearer in use, also in the region of the genitals.

If the lotion composition is applied in the form of longitudinalstripes, the stripes may extend into the rear waist region of theabsorbent article to the extent that they also cover the buttocks andmost of the groove length. Also, the number or the density of thestripes may be higher in those areas lying against the areas typicallyaffected with feces smeared against the skin. Further, the basis weightof the stripes may be higher in those areas lying against the areastypically affected with feces smeared against the skin.

If the lotion composition is applied in the form of figures, the density(i.e. dots lying closer together) and/or the size of the dots and/or thebasis weight of the lotion composition comprised by the dots may behigher in those areas lying against the areas typically affected withfeces smeared against the skin. The figures can have any shape and sizesuch as round, oval, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, heart-shapedor shaped in the form of an animal. Also, the absorbent article cancomprise different shapes and/or different sizes.

The lotion compositions of the present invention may be prepared by anyknown or otherwise effective technique, suitable for providing a lotioncomposition comprising the essential skin treatment agents definedherein. The resultant lotion composition can subsequently be applied toa topsheet component of an absorbent article using a contact applicatorsuch as a Nordsen EP 11-12-02.

The lotion compositions of the present invention are prepared such thatthe lotion compositions can be applied to an absorbent article to resultin safe and effective amounts of the lotion compositions beingtransferred onto the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article.Therefore, the lotion compositions may have a product consistency suchthat they are relatively immobile and localized on the body facingsurface of the absorbent article at ambient conditions, are readilytransferable to the wearer at body temperature, and yet are notcompletely liquid under extreme storage conditions. In other words, thelotion compositions may be solids or semisolids at ambient conditions(about 25° C.) and/or body temperature (about 37° C.) so that the lotioncompositions are easily transferred onto the skin by way of normalcontact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. The consistency of the lotioncompositions can be measured according to ASTM D5 test method whichinvolves the use of a penetrometer to measure consistency. Typically,the lotion compositions of the present invention have a consistency offrom about 10 millimeters (mm) to about 300 mm, from about 20 mm toabout 250 mm, or from about 30 mm to about 200 mm, as measured at 40° C.according to the test procedure outlined in ASTM D5 test method.

The solid or semisolid consistency of the lotion compositions providefor relatively low levels of the lotion compositions to be applied tothe absorbent articles to impart the desired lotion compositionbenefits. By “semisolid” is meant that the lotion compositions have arheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic liquids such that thelotion compositions remain relatively stationary in a desired locationon the absorbent article, and do not have a tendency to flow or migrateto undesired locations of the article. Solid lotion compositions of thepresent invention likewise can remain in a particular location and notflow or migrate to undesired locations of the article. These solid andsemisolid lotion compositions have viscosities high enough to keep thelotion compositions localized on an intended location of the article,but not so high as to impede transfer to the wearer's skin. Typically,final products of solid and semisolid lotion compositions haveviscosities ranging from about 1.0×10⁶ centipoise to about 1.0×10¹⁰centipoise under shear stress conditions of about 3×10³ dynes/cm² at 40°C. (the shear stress applied to the lotion compositions while theabsorbent article is in storage or transported at temperature conditionsof about 40° C.).

However, the solid and semisolid lotion compositions can be madeflowable for transfer or migration of the lotion compositions onto theskin by applying shear stress that results in deformation of the lotioncompositions. A shear stress, which typically occurs at least onceduring wear of the absorbent article under temperature conditions ofabout 40° C. is typically at about 1.0×10⁶ dynes/cm², and this shearstress can result in the lotion compositions having a viscosity of fromabout 1.0×10⁶ centipoise to about 1.0×10⁵ centipoise. It is believedthat the lotion compositions achieve the lower viscosity values underapplied shear stress due to the fact that, while the lotion compositionscontain solid components, they also contain liquid materials. Duringwear of an absorbent article described herein, it is desirable toachieve a low viscosity for obtaining sufficient lubrication between thewearer's skin and the body contacting surface of the article to resultin effective transfer of the lotion composition onto the wearer's skin.Viscosity at various shear stress can be measured using rheometers knownin the art such as the Rheometer SR-2000 available from RheometricsIncorporation.

Processes for assembling absorbent articles such as the disposableabsorbent articles described herein include conventional techniquesknown in the art for constructing and configuring disposable absorbentarticles. For example, the backsheet and/or the topsheet can be joinedto the absorbent core or to each other by a uniform continuous layer ofadhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines,spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found to besatisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn.under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031.

Test Methods Skin Adherence (Anti-Stick)

This method may be used for assessing the adhesion of soils or exudatesto the skin by quantifying the percentage of residual artificial pastybowel movement (“ABM”) left on the skin surface after treatment. TheABM, similar to real infant BM, fails cohesively, resulting in part ofthe ABM remaining on the skin surface and part of the ABM being removed.The more efficient the lotion composition is the lower is the percentageof residual ABM on the skin surface.

At least eight healthy adults participate in a single screening study.Each of the panelists completes a four-day washout period during whichthey use Olay® unscented moisturizing soap, as distributed by TheProcter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, to wash their forearms.Panelists must refrain from using any topical product, such asointments, creams or lotions, on their forearms during this washout-outperiod and also on the day of the screening study. On the day oftesting, panelist's arms are inspected to ensure they are free of cuts,scratches, and rashes. If any skin abnormalities are present, thepanelist cannot participate.

A template and a fine-tip marker are used to mark-off up to ten 3 cm by3 cm sites on the hair-free volar forearms, i.e. up to ten sites perpanelist with 5 sites per forearm. All but one of these sites is treatedwith a lotion composition. Thus, 9 different lotion compositions aretested per panelist. The remaining site receives no anti-sticktreatment, i.e. serves as a negative control. The locations of thevarious treatments, including the no-treatment site, may be randomizedamong the sites on each panelist. Testing starts at the site closest tothe elbow on the left arm and, as testing on each site is completed,progresses to the site closest to the wrist on the left arm, then to thesite closest to the elbow on the right arm, and finally to the siteclosest to the wrist on the right arm. For each site that is treated, apredetermined amount of 300 μg/cm² of the lotion composition is appliedin the center of the site with a powder-free finger cot, Catalog#56613-413 as available from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa. Theapplied lotion composition is then spread over the entire site (theboundary of which is defined by the marks made using the template) usingthe powder-free finger cot, by placing the finger cot on top of theagent or lotion composition and lightly rubbing the finger cot over theskin surface using several side-to-side and up-and-down movements for atotal elapsed time of 10-15 seconds. Examining the site from an obliqueangle, the person conducting the test needs to ensure that a uniformfilm has been formed over the entire area of the site. The film is leftexposed to air, untouched, for approximately 1 minute prior toproceeding with the subsequent steps.

A 1 ml syringe, such as Catalog # BD-309628 as available from VWRScientific of West Chester, Pa., that has been filled with roomtemperature ABM and is devoid of air bubbles, is placed onto a taredfour-place analytical balance. The weight is recorded. The syringe withABM is held over the center of the test site on the forearm, inreasonably close proximity to the skin surface, and approximately 0.2 mlof ABM is dispensed onto the skin by pressing the plunger and bywatching the gradations on the syringe. The ABM should form a reasonablyuniform, compact mound in the center of the test site. The syringe isre-weighed on the analytical balance, and the weight is recorded. Thequantity of ABM that was delivered to the forearm is calculated bysubtracting the second weight from the first.

A 4 cm×4 cm piece of weigh paper, Catalog #12578-201 as available fromVWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., is tared on the four placeanalytical balance, centered over the ABM mound on the forearm testsite, and gently lowered onto the ABM using forceps. The weigh papermust not be touched with fingertips, as this may transfer oils onto itssurface. Next, a 500 g bottle-shaped weight, such as Catalog #12766-518as available from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., that exertsapproximately 0.5 psi of downward force is placed over the weigh papersuch that the mound of ABM under the weigh paper is approximatelycentered under the weight. The weight may be gently held in place orbalanced on the forearm by the panelist for 30 seconds. After 30 secondshave elapsed, two fingers are placed gently on either side of the weighpaper to hold it in place, and the 500 g weight is slowly lifted. Usinga pair of forceps, the weigh paper is slowly and gently peeled from thetest site. The forceps are placed at the lower right corner of the weighpaper, and the weigh paper is slowly peeled upwards in the direction ofthe upper left corner of the weigh paper. It should take approximately1-2 seconds to remove the weigh paper. Once removed, the weigh paper isplaced back onto the analytical balance that it was tared on, and theweight is recorded to determine the amount of ABM removed.

The above steps are repeated until all sites per panelist have beentested, i.e. the steps consisting of application of lotion composition,application of ABM, application of weigh paper, application of weight,and removal of weigh paper. For the no-treatment control, application ofagent or lotion composition is skipped and ABM is applied directly tothe skin site. The weight percent (%) residual ABM left on the skinsurface after treatment is calculated from the weight measurementsaccording to the equation

((ABM Applied−ABM Removed)/ABM Applied)×100.

The mean value for residual ABM and standard error of the mean for eachlotion composition and for all panelists is calculated. When the methodis run correctly, the no treatment control typically yields a valuebetween approximately 30% to 35% residual ABM. To ensure reproducibleresults, the Anti-Stick Screening Method should be run at a roomtemperature of 21° C.±2° C. and at a relative humidity of 30-50%.

Preparation of Artificial Pasty Bowel Movement (ABM)

The following equipment is required:

-   -   an analytical balance accurate to ±0.001 g    -   a homogenizer capable of stirring the ingredients to        homogeneity, such as an Ika Labortechnik™ T25 basic or        equivalent as available from Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG of        Staufen, Germany.    -   a homogenizer probe to be used with the homogenizer, such as        Catalog # S25N 25F as available from Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG        of Staufen, Germany.

The following reagents are required:

-   -   Feclone™ Powder #4, available from SiliClone Studio, Valley        Forge, Pa., as Catalog Number Feclone BFPS-4.    -   Feclone™ Powder #6, available from SiliClone Studio, Valley        Forge, Pa., as Catalog Number BFPS-6.    -   Feclone™ Powder #7, available from SiliClone Studio, Valley        Forge, Pa., as Catalog Number BFPS-7.    -   Carbopol™ 981, available from BF Goodrich, Cleveland, Ohio    -   Deionized water.

The following quantities of the above reagents are required:

Ingredient Grams Deionized water for Carbopol ™ solution 78.78 Feclone ™powder #4 6.600 Feclone ™ powder #6 6.600 Feclone ™ powder #7 6.600Carbopol ™ 981 0.900

The procedure to prepare the ABM consists of the following steps:

A. Preparation of Carbopol™ Solution

-   -   1. Weigh 78.78 g±0.01 g of deionized water in a 250 ml beaker.    -   2. Weigh 0.900 g±0.001 g of Carbopol™ on weigh paper.    -   3. Put beaker on a magnetic stirrer and set speed at 400 rpm.    -   4. Add Carbopol™ powder slowly to the water, over the span of        about 5 minutes. While adding the Carbopol™, increase the        stirring speed slowly to 600 rpm.    -   5. Once the Carbopol™ powder has been added to the water, cover        the beaker and continue mixing at 600 rpm for 15 minutes. The        Carbopol™ powder must be completely dispersed, i.e. a        transparent gel without any agglomerates.    -   6. Set up a hot plate at 150° C. Place the Carbopol™ solution on        the hot plate and continue mixing at 600 rpm until the solution        is heated to 81° C. to 83° C.

B. Preparation of ABM Mixture

-   -   1. Weigh 6.600 g±0.01 g each of Feclone powders #4, #6, and #7        into a beaker and mix well.    -   2. Using a T25 basic or equivalent homogenizer with a        homogenizer probe, stir the Carbopol™ solution at 8000 rpm for        about 30 seconds before proceeding with Step 3.    -   3. To the Carbopol™ solution that is being stirred, slowly add        the Feclone™ powder mixture, about one quarter of the total at a        time. Ensure that the Feclone™ powder mixture gets pulled        through the homogenizer probe during addition, i.e. is        thoroughly mixed into the pasty lotion composition that is        forming. If necessary, use a spatula to facilitate incorporation        of the Feclone™ powder mixture into the lotion composition.    -   4. After all of the Feclone™ powder mixture has been added,        continue mixing with the homogenizer at 8000 rpm for an        additional 5 minutes, using the spatula to push the pasty lotion        composition towards the homogenizer probe. The lotion        composition should be thoroughly mixed and appear homogeneous.

The finished ABM may be placed in a container, such as Catalog#14233-954 as available from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., andstored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. After 30 days, a newsample should be prepared for further experiments. The container must betightly sealed to avoid drying out of the ABM. Prior to using the ABM inthe Anti-Stick Screening Method, the ABM must be removed from therefrigerator and allowed to adjust back to room temperature. An easy wayto accomplish this is to fill a 10 ml syringe, such as Catalog #BD301604 as available from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., withcold ABM and then allow the syringe to equilibrate to room temperatureon a counter top. Equilibration typically takes about 15 minutes. The 10ml syringe can then be used to fill the 1 ml syringe described in theAnti-Stick Screening Method.

EXAMPLES

The following example lotion compositions have been tested according tothe skin adherence test method as described above with the ABM lotioncomposition as described above:

Example 1 Anti-Stick Lotion Composition: 50 g PEG 400 50 g PEG 4000

The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion composition ofexample 1 as determined by the test method set out above has been 3%

Example 2 Anti-Stick Lotion Composition:

50 g BRIJ 700 (steareth-100)

50 g PEG 400

The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion composition ofexample 2 as determined by the test method set out above has been 3%

Example 3 Anti-Stick Lotion Composition: 80 g PEG 1000 5 g PEG 4000 5 gPEG 400

10 g Microthene FN51000 (made of polyethylene) available from EquistarChemicals, Houston, Tex., USA.

The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion composition ofexample 3 as determined by the test method set out above has been 8%.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claimed all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising a garment-facingsurface and a body-facing surface, wherein at least a part of a bodyfacing surface of the article comprises a lotion composition, the lotioncomposition comprising: a first compound which is liquid at 25° C.; anda second compound which is solid at 25° C.; wherein the first compoundcomprises a wax ester and the second compound comprises a fatty alcohol.2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the wax ester is derivedfrom a natural source.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein thewax ester is derived from jojoba oil.
 4. The absorbent article of claim1, wherein the lotion composition comprises less than 5 wt. % of waterby weight of the lotion composition.
 5. The absorbent article of claim1, wherein the lotion composition comprises at least one dispersedparticulate material.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thelotion composition comprises at least one further ingredient selectedfrom anti-foaming agents, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents,antiseptic agents, antioxidants, cosmetic astringents, drug astringents,biological additives, botanical additives, colorants, deodorants,emollients, external analgesics, film formers, fragrances, humectants,moisturizing agents, opacifiers, skin protectants, cleansing agents,emulsifiers, solubilizing agents, suspending agents, binders,absorbents, buffering agents, fats, and oils.
 7. The absorbent articleof claim 1, wherein the lotion composition consists essentially of thefirst compound and the second compound.
 8. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the first compound to the secondcompound is from about 1:32 to about 9:1.
 9. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the body facing surface comprises a non-woven fibermaterial.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 10, wherein the articlecomprises on the body facing surface an effective amount of the lotioncomposition.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein an amount ofthe first compound is from about 3 wt. % to about 90 wt. %, based on thetotal lotion composition, and wherein an amount of the second compoundis from about 10 wt. % to about 97 wt. %, based on the total lotioncomposition.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbentarticle is selected from diapers, pant-like diaper, adult incontinencearticles, tampons, interlabial devices, sanitary napkins, andpanty-liners.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the lotioncomposition is discontinuous in the form of a pattern of stripes orfigures, and wherein the pattern is non-homogeneous over a longitudinalextension of the article.
 14. A package comprising: one or moreabsorbent articles of claim 1; and one or more wipes; wherein a ratio ofabsorbent articles to wipes is from about 1:1 to about 1:3 or from about1:1 to about 1:2.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theabsorbent article comprises a topsheet, and/or a pair of barrier cuffs,and/or a pair of leg cuffs, and wherein the lotion composition isapplied to at least a part of a topsheet and/or a pair of leg cuffs,and/or a pair of barrier cuffs.
 16. The absorbent article of claim 15,wherein the topsheet comprises an apertured topsheet.
 17. An absorbentarticle comprising a garment-facing surface and a body-facing surface,wherein at least a part of a body facing surface of the articlecomprises a lotion composition, the lotion composition comprising: afirst compound which is liquid at 25° C.; and a second compound which issolid at 25° C.; wherein the first compound comprises a wax estercomprising docosenyl eicosenoate, and wherein the second compoundcomprises a fatty alcohol.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 17,wherein the second compound comprises a fatty alcohol fatty acid ester.19. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the fatty alcohol isselected from the group of lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetylalcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, andcombinations thereof.
 20. An absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; abacksheet; and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between thetopsheet and the backsheet; wherein the topsheet comprises a lotioncomposition comprising: a first compound which is liquid at 25° C.; anda second compound which is solid at 25° C.; wherein the first compoundcomprises a wax ester and the second compound comprises a fatty alcohol;and wherein the topsheet defines a plurality of apertures.